Patent application title: FLORAL SLEEVE HAVING AN ARCUATE UPPER END

Abstract:

A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a
decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to
cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in
the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the
upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from
a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an
arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened gives
the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to
the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.

Claims:

1. A plant package, comprising:a potted plant comprising a pot and a
floral grouping, the pot having an upper rim and the floral grouping
having an upper end; anda tubular sleeve disposed about the potted plant,
the tubular sleeve constructed of a flexible material and comprising:a
base portion having tapered shape and being sized to contain a pot, the
base portion having an upper edge positioned below the upper end of the
floral grouping, a lower end, and a decorative pattern or coloring
disposed on or inherent to a portion of the base portion, the decorative
pattern or coloring having a non-linear upper boundary positioned below
the upper edge of the base portion, and the base portion having a zone
between the upper edge of the base portion and the non-linear upper
boundary of the decorative pattern or coloring and wherein the zone is
free of the decorative pattern or coloring forming the non-linear upper
boundary and wherein the zone is positioned only above the non-linear
upper boundary and below the upper end of the floral grouping.

2. The plant package of claim 1 wherein the non-linear upper boundary of
the decorative pattern or coloring of the base portion of the tubular
sleeve comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs wherein the peaks are
generally within 0 mm to about 25 mm of the upper edge of the base
portion and the troughs are generally about 10 mm to about 60 mm below
the upper edge of the base portion.

3. The plant package of claim 1 wherein the lower end of the base portion
of the tubular sleeve has a gusset therein.

4. A plant package, comprising:a potted plant comprising a pot and a
floral grouping, the pot having an upper rim and the floral grouping
having an upper end; anda tubular sleeve disposed about the potted plant,
the tubular sleeve constructed of a flexible material and comprising:a
base portion having a tapered shape and a lower end and sized to contain
the pot;an upper portion detachable from the base portion via a detaching
element; anda decorative pattern or coloring disposed on or inherent to a
portion of the base portion, with the decorative pattern or coloring
having a non-linear upper boundary positioned below the detaching element
and the base portion having a zone between the detaching element and the
non-linear upper boundary of the decorative pattern or coloring of the
base portion wherein the zone is free of the decorative pattern or
coloring forming the non-linear upper boundary and wherein the zone is
positioned only above the non-linear upper boundary and below the upper
end of the floral grouping of the potted plant; andwherein when the upper
portion of the tubular sleeve is detached from the base portion, an upper
edge of the base portion is positioned below an upper end of the floral
grouping of the potted plant.

5. The plant package of claim 4 wherein the upper portion of the tubular
sleeve is sized to substantially surround and enclose the floral grouping
disposed within the pot.

6. The plant package of claim 4 wherein the non-linear upper boundary of
the decorative pattern or coloring of the tubular sleeve comprises a
plurality of peaks and troughs wherein the peaks are generally within 0
mm to about 25 mm of the detaching element and the troughs are generally
about 10 mm to about 60 mm below the detaching element.

7. The plant package of claim 4 wherein the lower end of the base portion
of the tubular sleeve has a gusset therein.

8. A method of decoratively covering a potted plant, comprising the steps
of:providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping, the
pot having an upper rim and the floral grouping having an upper
end;providing a tubular sleeve constructed of a flexible material and
comprising a base portion having tapered shape and being sized to contain
a pot, the base portion having an upper edge, a lower end, and a
decorative pattern or coloring disposed on or inherent to a portion of
the base portion, the decorative pattern or coloring having a non-linear
upper boundary positioned below the upper edge of the base portion, and
the base portion having a zone between the upper edge of the base portion
and the non-linear upper boundary of the decorative pattern or coloring
and wherein the zone is free of the decorative pattern or coloring
forming the non-linear upper boundary and wherein the zone is positioned
only above the non-linear upper boundary; anddisposing the potted plant
within the tubular sleeve such that the upper edge of the base portion of
the tubular sleeve is positioned below the upper end of the floral
grouping and the zone free of the decorative pattern or coloring of the
base portion of the tubular sleeve is positioned below the upper end of
the floral grouping.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein, in the step of providing a tubular
sleeve, the non-linear upper boundary of the decorative pattern or
coloring of the base portion of the tubular sleeve comprises a plurality
of peaks and troughs wherein the peaks are generally within 0 mm to about
25 mm of the upper edge of the base portion and the troughs are generally
about 10 mm to about 60 mm below the upper edge of the base portion.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein, in the step of providing a tubular
sleeve, the lower end of the base portion of the tubular sleeve has a
gusset therein.

11. A method of decoratively covering a potted plant, comprising the steps
of:providing a potted plant comprising a pot and a floral grouping, the
pot having an upper rim and the floral grouping having an upper
end;providing a tubular sleeve constructed of a flexible material and
comprising:a base portion having a tapered shape and a lower end and
sized to contain the pot;an upper portion detachable from the base
portion via a detaching element; anda decorative pattern or coloring
disposed on or inherent to a portion of the base portion, with the
decorative pattern or coloring having a non-linear upper boundary
positioned below the detaching element and the base portion having a zone
between the detaching element and the non-linear upper boundary of the
decorative pattern or coloring of the base portion wherein the zone is
free of the decorative pattern or coloring forming the non-linear upper
boundary and wherein the zone is positioned only above the non-linear
upper boundary; anddisposing the potted plant within the tubular sleeve;
anddetaching the upper portion of the tubular sleeve from the base
portion, whereby an upper edge of the base portion is positioned below
the upper end of the floral grouping of the potted plant.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein, in the step of disposing the potted
plant within the tubular sleeve, the upper portion of the tubular sleeve
is sized to substantially surround and enclose the floral grouping.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein, in the step of providing a tubular
sleeve, the non-linear upper boundary of the decorative pattern or
coloring of the tubular sleeve comprises a plurality of peaks and troughs
wherein the peaks are generally within 0 mm to about 25 mm of the
detaching element and the troughs are generally about 10 mm to about 60
mm below the detaching element.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein, in the step of providing a tubular
sleeve, the lower end of the base portion of the tubular sleeve has a
gusset therein.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
12/372,515, filed Feb. 17, 2009; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
11/974,977, filed Oct. 17, 2007, now abandoned; which is a continuation
of U.S. Ser. No. 11/329,835, filed Jan. 11, 2006, now abandoned; which is
a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/806,984, filed Mar. 23, 2004, now
abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/437,151, filed May
13, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,220, issued Feb. 8, 2005; which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/188,242, filed Jul. 1, 2002, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,574,920, issued Jun. 10, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 09/839,111, filed Apr. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,430,869,
issued Aug. 13, 2002; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
09/464,742, filed Dec. 16, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,467, issued Feb.
12, 2002; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/067,498,
filed Apr. 27, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,885, issued Feb. 15, 2000;
the specifications of each of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference herein.

[0003]The present application has subject matter which is related to the
disclosures of U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,979, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,851. The
specification of each of these patents is hereby expressly incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004]FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a sleeve having a lower portion
with a decorative pattern having a non-linear upper boundary and having
an upper detachable portion constructed in accordance with the present
invention.

[0005]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a potted plant disposed within the
opened sleeve of FIG. 1.

[0006]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 and a pot after
the upper portion of the sleeve has been removed from the lower portion
of the sleeve.

[0007]FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of yet another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 8 is an elevational view of yet another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 8 when opened and
with a pot disposed therein.

[0013]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the opened sleeve of FIG. 8 having
a pot disposed therein after the upper portion has been detached
therefrom.

[0014]FIG. 11 is an elevational view of yet another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 12 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 13 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 14 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 15 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pot disposed within the opened
sleeve of FIG. 15.

[0020]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the sleeve and pot of FIG. 16 after
the upper portion of the sleeve has been removed from the lower portion.

[0021]FIG. 18 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 19 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 20 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 21 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 22 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 23 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 24 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 25 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 26 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 27 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 28 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0032]FIG. 28A is a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 28, when
opened, and having a pot disposed therein.

[0033]FIG. 29 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0034]FIG. 30 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 31 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 32 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0037]FIG. 33 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0038]FIG. 34 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 35 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0040]FIG. 36 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0041]FIG. 37 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 38 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0043]FIG. 39 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

[0044]FIG. 40 is an elevational view of another sleeve constructed in
accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045]The present invention contemplates in a preferred version a
preformed tubular sleeve for covering a pot having an upper rim, a lower
end, and an outer peripheral surface. The preformed tubular sleeve (also
referred to herein as sleeve) comprises a lower portion and may further
comprise a detachable upper portion generally sized so as to surround and
enclose a floral grouping in the pot.

[0046]The sleeve may form part of a plant package when used in conjunction
with a pot disposed within the lower portion of the sleeve, the pot
having a floral grouping disposed therein, and wherein the pot is
substantially surrounded and encompassed by the lower portion of the
sleeve and the floral grouping is substantially surrounded and
encompassed and enclosed by the upper portion of the sleeve when it is
present as a part of the sleeve.

[0047]Also, the lower portion of the sleeve may include a bonding material
disposed on an inner peripheral surface thereof for bondingly connecting
to a pot disposed therein; or the bonding material may be disposed on an
outer peripheral surface thereof.

[0048]The lower portion of the sleeve may be constructed from a first
material and the upper portion of the sleeve (when present) may be
constructed from a second material different from the first material.

[0049]The sleeve is initially formed in a flattened condition and may be
expanded to an open condition at any time prior to use, shipment, or
sale.

[0050]The sleeve may include vertical or horizontal expansion elements,
preferably comprising a plurality of folds. The folds may extend entirely
circumferentially about the lower portion, or may extend only partially
circumferentially about the lower portion of the sleeve, or may extend
into a skirt portion of the lower portion. The expansion elements
preferably function to cause the lower portion of the sleeve to conform
to the shape of a pot when a pot is disposed within the sleeve. The folds
or expansion elements may extend the entire length from the lower end of
the lower portion to the upper end of the sleeve or may extend only an
intermediate distance therebetween.

[0051]The expansion elements may be a plurality of vertical pleats, a
plurality of vertical folds each having a z-shaped cross section, a
plurality of vertical accordion-type folds, or other similar types of
expandable forms. Examples of such expansion elements are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,979, the specification of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0052]These embodiments and others of the present invention are now
described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the examples
provided herein are not intended to limit the scope and extent of the
claimed invention but are only intended to exemplify various embodiments
of the invention contemplated herein.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 1-7

[0053]Shown in FIGS. 1-3 and designated therein by the general reference
numeral 10 is a flexible preformed tubular sleeve (also referred to
simply as a "sleeve") of unitary construction. The sleeve 10 preferably
initially is in a flattened condition and is openable in the form of a
tube having an open bottom, a closed bottom, or a closed bottom having
drainage holes.

[0054]The sleeve 10 in a particularly preferred version has an upper
portion 12, a lower portion 14, an inner retaining space 15, an upper end
16, and a lower end 18, and in its flattened state has a first side 20
and a second side 22. The sleeve 10 has an opening 23 at the upper end 16
and is, in a preferred embodiment, closed with a bottom 19 at the lower
end 18. The bottom 19 has a perimeter 21. A portion of the lower end 18
may have one or more gussets 38 therein constructed in a manner well
known to one of ordinary skill in the art as shown in FIG. 1, for
permitting a bottom of an object, such as a pot 40, to be disposed into
the inner retaining space 15 of the lower portion 14 of the sleeve 10.
Gussets 38, and the construction of gussets, are well known in the art of
constructing flexible containers, therefore further discussion of gussets
or their construction is not deemed necessary herein. Further, the lower
end 18 may be constructed in the manner shown in copending U.S. Ser. No.
09/401,771, the specification of which is hereby expressly incorporated
herein in its entirety. FIG. 5, discussed in more detail hereinbelow,
shows a sleeve 10b formed without a gusset in a lower end 18b thereof.
Any sleeve described herein may be constructed with or without the gusset
38 therein.

[0055]The sleeve 10 is generally frusto-conically shaped, but the sleeve
10 may be, by way of example but not by way of limitation, cylindrical,
frusto-conical, a combination of both frusto-conical and cylindrical, or
any other shape, such as square or rectangular, as long as the sleeve 10
functions as described herein as noted above. Prior to shipment to the
user, or prior to use by the user, the sleeve 10 may be formed in an
opened frusto-conical configuration, for example, for shipment in a
nested bunch. Further, the sleeve 10 may comprise any shape, whether
geometric, non-geometric, symmetrical and/or fanciful as long is it
functions in accordance with the present invention. The sleeve 10 may
also be equipped with a drainage element (e.g., one or more holes) in the
lower end 18 or ventilation holes (not shown) or can be made from
permeable or impermeable materials.

[0056]The material from which the sleeve 10 is constructed preferably has
a thickness in a range from about 0.1 mil to about 30 mil. Often, the
thickness of the sleeve 10 is in a range from about 0.5 mil to about 10
mil. Preferably, the sleeve 10 has a thickness in a range from about 1.0
mil to about 5 mil. More preferably, the sleeve 10 is constructed from a
material which is flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, or any combination
thereof. The sleeve 10 may be constructed of a single layer of material
or a plurality of layers of the same or different types of materials. Any
thickness of the material may be utilized as long as the material
functions in accordance with the present invention as described herein.
The layers of material comprising the sleeve 10 may be connected together
or laminated or may be separate layers. Such materials used to construct
the sleeve 10 are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,111,637, entitled "Method
For Wrapping A Floral Grouping" issued to Weder et al., on May 12, 1992,
which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Any thickness
of material may be utilized in accordance with the present invention as
long as the sleeve 10 may be formed as described herein, and as long as
the formed sleeve 10 may contain at least a portion of the pot 40 and/or
a floral grouping 50, as described herein. Additionally, an insulating
material such as bubble film, preferable as one of two or more layers,
can be utilized in order to provide additional protection for the item,
such as the floral grouping 50, contained therein.

[0057]In one embodiment, the sleeve 10 may be constructed from a sheet
comprising two polypropylene films. The sheets of polypropylene film used
in the construction of the sleeve 10 may be connected together or
laminated or may be separate layers. In an alternative embodiment, the
sleeve 10 may be constructed from only one of the polypropylene films.

[0058]The sleeve 10 is constructed from any suitable material that is
capable of being formed into the sleeve 10 and wrapped about the pot 40
and the floral grouping 50 disposed therein. Preferably, the material
comprises paper (untreated or treated in any manner), metal foil,
polymeric film, non-polymeric film, fabric (woven or nonwoven or
synthetic or natural), cardboard, fiber, cloth, burlap, or laminations or
combinations thereof.

[0059]The term "polymeric film" means a synthetic polymer such as
polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as cellophane. A
polymeric film is relatively strong and not as subject to tearing
(substantially non-tearable), as might be the case with paper or foil.

[0060]The material used to construct the sleeve 10 may vary in color and
may consist, for example, of designs or decorative patterns which are
printed, etched, and/or embossed thereon using inks or other printing
materials. An example of an ink which may be applied to the surface of
the material is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,706, entitled "Water
Based Ink On Foil And/Or Synthetic Organic Polymer" issued to Kingman on
Sep. 15, 1992, and which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference.

[0061]In addition, the material used to construct the sleeve 10 may have
various colorings, coatings, flocking and/or metallic finishes, or other
decorative surface ornamentation applied separately or simultaneously or
may be characterized totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent,
transparent, iridescent, neon, or the like, qualities. The material may
further comprise, or have applied thereto, one or more scents. Each of
the above-named characteristics may occur alone or in combination and may
be applied to the upper and/or lower surface of the material comprising
the sleeve 10. Moreover, portions of the material used in constructing
the sleeve 10 may vary in the combination of such characteristics. The
material utilized for the sleeve 10 itself may be opaque, translucent,
transparent, or partially clear or tinted transparent.

[0062]The term "floral grouping" as used herein means cut fresh flowers,
artificial flowers, a single flower or other fresh and/or artificial
plants or other floral materials and may include other secondary plants
and/or ornamentation or artificial or natural materials which add to the
aesthetics of the overall floral grouping. The floral grouping preferably
comprises a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion. Further, the
floral grouping may comprise a growing potted plant having a root portion
(not shown) as well. However, it will be appreciated that the floral
grouping may consist of only a single bloom or only foliage, or a
botanical item (not shown), or a propagule (not shown). The term "floral
grouping" may be used interchangeably herein with both the terms "floral
arrangement" and "potted plant". The term "floral grouping" may also be
used interchangeably herein with the terms "botanical item" and/or
"propagule."

[0063]The term "growing medium" when used herein means any liquid, solid
or gaseous material used for plant growth or for the cultivation of
propagules, including organic and inorganic materials such as soil,
humus, perlite, vermiculite, sand, water, and including the nutrients,
fertilizers or hormones or combinations thereof required by the plants or
propagules for growth.

[0064]The term "botanical item" when used herein means a natural or
artificial herbaceous or woody plant, taken singly or in combination. The
term "botanical item" also means any portion or portions of natural or
artificial herbaceous or woody plants including stems, leaves, flowers,
blossoms, buds, blooms, cones, or roots, taken singly or in combination,
or in groupings of such portions, such as bouquets or floral groupings.

[0065]The term "propagule" when used herein means any structure capable of
being propagated or acting as an agent of reproduction including seeds,
shoots, stems, runners, tubers, plants, leaves, roots or spores.

[0066]In accordance with the present invention, a bonding material (not
shown) may be disposed on a portion of the sleeve 10 to assist in holding
the sleeve 10 to the pot 40 having the floral grouping 50 therein when
the pot 40 is disposed within the sleeve 10 or to assist in closing or
sealing a portion of the sleeve 10 or in adhering the sleeve 10 to the
pot 40 after the pot 40 has been disposed therein, as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,625,979, and 5,493,809, the specifications of which are
hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0067]As noted above, the sleeve 10, in one embodiment, is demarcated into
the upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14. The lower portion 14 of
the sleeve 10 is generally sized to contain the pot 40. The upper portion
12 of the sleeve 10 may be sized to substantially surround and enclose
the floral grouping 50 contained within the pot 40 disposed within the
lower portion 14 of the sleeve 10, or may surround and enclose only a
portion of the floral grouping 50, as explained in more detail below.

[0068]In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve 10 is demarcated into the
upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14 by a detaching element 24,
which may be a line of perforations, for enabling the detachment of the
upper portion 12 of the sleeve 10 from the lower portion 14 of the sleeve
10. In the present version, the perforations 24 extend circumferentially
across the sleeve 10 from the first side 20 to the second side 22.
Although the upper portion 12 and the lower portion 14 are shown as
detachable via the detaching element 24, any detaching element, or
combination of elements, or features, such as, but not by way of
limitation, perforations, tear strips, zippers, and any other devices or
elements of similar nature known in the art, or any combination thereof,
which enable the tearing away or detachment of one object from another
may be used. Therefore, while perforations are particularly shown and
described in detail herein as the detaching element 24, it will be
understood that tear strips, zippers, or any other "detaching elements"
known in the art, or any combination thereof, could be substituted
therefore and/or used therewith as long as they functioned in accordance
with the present invention.

[0069]The upper portion 12 of the sleeve 10 may also have an additional
vertical detaching element (not shown) comprising a plurality of vertical
perforations for facilitating removal of the upper portion 12.

[0070]It will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that
equipment and devices for forming floral sleeves are commercially
available, and are well known to a person of ordinary skill in the art,
e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,251, the specification of which is hereby
expressly incorporated herein by reference. For example, the sleeves
described herein may be formed by intermittently advancing two separate
webs, one or two webs preformed in the form of a tube, or a single web
folded double and sealing the longitudinal sides and bottom of the two
facing panels then cutting the sleeve thus formed from the webs or web.
Machines which can form sleeves from such single webs or pairs of webs
are well within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0071]It should also be noted that for all versions of sleeves described
herein, it may be desirable to have a release material or cover strip
covering the adhesive or cohesive bonding material, when a bonding
material is disposed on any portion of the sleeve, for preventing the
bonding material from bonding to another surface until the desired time.
Further, in each of the cases described herein wherein the sleeve 10 (or
other sleeves described herein) is applied to the pot 40, the sleeve 10
may be applied thereto either by depositing the pot 40 downwardly into
the inner retaining space 15 of the sleeve 10, or the sleeve 10 may be
brought upwardly about the pot 40 from below the pot 40. The pot 40 has
an upper rim 42 which is in a plane 43. The plane 43 of the upper rim 42
is substantially parallel to the perimeter 21 of the bottom 19 of the
sleeve 10.

[0072]It should be further noted that various features of the versions of
the present invention, such as closure bonding areas, support extensions,
handles, additional perforations, drainage holes, ventilation holes, and
combinations of material may be used alone or in combination as elements
of any of the embodiments described above herein. Therefore, further
discussion of the specific methods of construction of the sleeves
described herein is not deemed necessary.

[0073]As noted above, the sleeve 10 includes the detaching element 24
which extends generally horizontally from the first side 20 to the second
side 22 and which enables the upper portion 12 to be separated from the
lower portion 14. The lower portion 14 includes a decorative pattern (or
decorative design) 26 which may be printed on the sleeve 10, attached to
the sleeve 10, or inherent in the sleeve 10 in any manner thereon (for
example, as a color or laminate), which forms a non-linear upper boundary
28 on the sleeve 10. The portion of the sleeve 10 between the detaching
element 24 and the non-linear upper boundary 28 of the decorative pattern
26 is clear and thus constitutes a clear zone 30 of the lower portion 14
of the sleeve 10. The non-linear upper boundary 28, in a preferred
embodiment, comprises a series of peaks 32 which alternate with troughs
34. The peaks 32 are preferably of equal height, but may be of varying
heights as discussed elsewhere herein. The portion of the sleeve 10 which
is designed to extend above the upper rim 42 of the pot 40 is designated
as a skirt portion 35 of the lower portion 14 of the sleeve 10. The
decorative pattern 26 may be a solid color, or multicolored print, or may
be comprised of a plurality of individual patterns, such as a floral
print composed of a pattern of leaves and blossoms, or may be a separate
material attached to the lower portion 14. The non-linear upper boundary
28 may be a distinct demarcation between the clear zone 30 and the
decorative pattern 26, or may be a less definite boundary (for example,
comprising edges of a floral print, but which when viewed from a distance
still provides the sleeve 10 with an appearance of having a non-linear
upper boundary 28). The decorative pattern 26 may cover all, or just a
portion, of the lower portion 14 below the clear zone 30. The peaks 32
are preferably within about 0.0 mm to about 25 mm of the detaching
element 24 and the troughs 34 are generally about 10 mm to about 60 mm
below the detaching element 24. These distances are not absolute and the
peaks 32 and troughs 34 of the non-linear upper boundary 28 may be lesser
or greater than the distances listed above.

[0074]As shown in herein the non-linear upper boundary 28 of the
decorative pattern 26 preferably comprises a curved pattern, for example,
similar to a sine wave. However, the non-linear configuration of the
non-linear upper boundary 28 of the decorative pattern 26 is not meant to
be limited to such a curved design and may be constructed in any number
of other non-linear patterns, for example as shown in FIGS. 12A-12D of
U.S. Ser. No. 09/067,498, the specification and drawings of which are
hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Notable non-linear
patterns which may be used include boundaries which have crenate,
inverted crenate, crenelate or crenulate shapes. One of ordinary skill in
the art will understand these are but a few of the patterns that the
detaching element may form and one of ordinary skill could contemplate
many other suitable non-linear patterns.

[0075]The sleeve 10 may have apertures 36 in a portion thereof for
enabling the sleeve 10 to be supported from a support device such as a
wicket (not shown).

[0076]The sleeve 10 can be used to cover a potted plant. In FIG. 2 the
sleeve 10 is shown in an opened condition disposed about the pot 40 with
the upper rim 42 and having the floral grouping 50 disposed therein. The
floral grouping extends vertically a distance above the upper rim 42 of
the pot 40. The floral grouping 50 has an upper portion 52 and a stem
portion 54 which extends from the pot 40. As shown in the opened
condition in FIG. 2, the sleeve 10 has an outer peripheral surface 44 and
an inner peripheral surface 46. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2, the upper portion 12 is sized to substantially surround and
encompass the upper portion 52 of the floral grouping 50.

[0077]When the upper portion 12 of the sleeve 10 is removed from the lower
portion 14 by detaching along the detaching element 24, the lower portion
14 of the sleeve 10 is left with an upper edge 48 which is more or less
straight and which is disposed a distance above the upper rim 42 of the
pot 40 (FIG. 3). Although the upper edge 48 of the lower portion 14 is
substantially straight, the lower portion 14 is given the illusion of
having a non-linear upper edge due to the conspicuousness of the
non-linear upper boundary 28 of the decorative pattern 26 and the
relative transparency and thus the invisibility, for all intents and
purposes, of the clear zone 30. One advantage of having a generally
straight detaching element 24 disposed a distance above the upper
boundary 28 is that if the tear line is not torn exactly along the
detaching element 24, the decorative nature of the upper boundary 28 of
the decorative pattern 26 is not marred.

[0078]Shown in FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10a is substantially similar to sleeve 10, except for
the size of an upper portion 12a. The upper portion 12a is detachable
from a lower portion 14a which has a decorative pattern 26a which has a
non-linear upper boundary 28a. A detaching element 24a (a line of
perforations) is disposed between the upper portion 12a and the lower
portion 14a. As with the sleeve 10, the area of the lower portion 14a
disposed between the detaching element 24a and the upper boundary 28a of
the decorative pattern 26a constitutes a clear zone 30a. The sleeve 10a
has an upper end 16a and a lower end 18a and may optionally comprise a
gusset 38a therein. Contrary to the upper portion 12 of sleeve 10, the
upper portion 12a of sleeve 10a is not sized to substantially surround
and enclose a floral grouping. Rather, the upper portion 12a serves to
support the sleeve 10a from a support device, such as a wicket (not
shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves 10a can be supported together in
the same manner as a plurality of sleeves 10 can be supported. When the
upper portion 12a is separated from the lower portion 14a via the
detaching element 24a, and the lower portion 14a is disposed about the
pot 40, the lower portion 14a appears substantially the same as the lower
portion 14 of the sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 3 after the upper portion 12
has been removed.

[0079]Shown in FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10b is substantially similar to sleeve 10 except the
sleeve 10b does not include an upper portion detachable from a lower
portion 14b. Sleeve 10b includes a decorative pattern 26b having a
non-linear upper boundary 28b. The sleeve 10b has a clear zone 30b
between the upper boundary 28b of the decorative pattern 26b and an upper
edge 48b of the sleeve 10b. When opened and placed about a pot, the
sleeve 10b appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10
shown in FIG. 3 after the upper portion 12 has been removed.

[0080]Shown in FIG. 6 is a sleeve 10c which is substantially similar to
the sleeve 10, comprising an upper portion 12c, a lower portion 14c, an
upper end 16c, a lower end 18c, a substantially horizontal detaching
element 24c (line of perforations) between the upper portion 12c and the
lower portion 14c, a decorative pattern 26c having a non-linear upper
boundary 28c and a clear zone 30c between the detaching element 24c and
the upper boundary 28c of the decorative pattern 26c. Sleeve 10c differs
from sleeve 10 by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion 58c which
extends angularly away from tapered first and second sides 20c and 22c of
the lower portion 14c, such that when the upper portion 12c is detached
from the lower portion 14c and a pot is disposed in the lower portion
14c, the skirt portion 58c extends at an angle away from the lower
portion 14c.

[0081]Shown in FIG. 7 is a sleeve 10d which is substantially similar to
the sleeve 10 shown in FIG. 1. The sleeve lad has a decorative pattern
26d having a non-linear upper boundary 28d, and has a detaching element
24d disposed between an upper portion 12d and a lower portion 14d, and
has a clear zone 30d between the upper boundary 28d of the decorative
pattern 26d and the detaching element 24d. Sleeve lad differs from sleeve
10 primarily in that the detaching element 24d has a pattern which
generally corresponds to the curvature of the upper boundary 28d of the
decorative pattern 26d. The clear zone 30d may be negligible or
non-existent.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 8-14

[0082]Shown in FIGS. 8-10 is a sleeve 10e which is substantially the same
as sleeve 10 except for a difference in the position of a non-linear
upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon. As with sleeve 10, sleeve
10e has an upper portion 12e, a lower portion 14e, and a detaching
element 24e therebetween. The sleeve 10e further includes an upper end
16e, a lower end 18e, a decorative pattern 26e on the lower portion 14e,
a non-linear upper boundary 28e in the decorative pattern 26e, and a
clear zone 30e between the detaching element 24e and the non-linear upper
boundary 28e. The sleeve 10e may optionally further have a gusset 38e
therein. The non-linear upper boundary 28e of the decorative pattern 26e
is configured on the lower portion 14e such that when the sleeve 10e is
in the open position (for example when disposed about the pot 40), each
peak 32e of the non-linear upper boundary 28e is disposed a substantially
equal peak vertical distance 60 from a perimeter 21e of a bottom 19e of
the opened sleeve 10e, and each trough 34e of the non-linear upper
boundary 28e is disposed a substantially equal trough vertical distance
62 from the perimeter 21e of the bottom 19e of the opened sleeve 10e, as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Where used herein, the term "substantially
equal" vertical distance means that when viewed from a typical viewer
perspective, the peaks 32e appear to be about the same height to a viewer
and the troughs 34e appear to be about the same height to a viewer.

[0083]When the upper portion 12e of sleeve 10e is removed from the lower
portion 14e by detaching along the detaching element 24e, the lower
portion 14e is left with a more or less straight upper edge 48e (FIG. 10)
which is disposed a distance above the upper rim 42 of the pot 40.
Although the upper edge 48e of the lower portion 14e is generally
straight, the lower portion 14e is given the illusion of having a
non-linear upper edge due to the conspicuousness of the non-linear upper
boundary 28e of the decorative pattern 26e and the relative transparency,
thus invisibility, of the clear zone 30e in a manner similar to that
shown for sleeve 10 in FIG. 3.

[0084]Shown in FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10f is basically the same as sleeve 10e, except for the
size of an upper portion 12f. The upper portion 12f is detachable from a
lower portion 14f which includes thereon a decorative pattern 26f having
a non-linear upper boundary 28f. A detaching element 24f is disposed
between the upper portion 12f and the lower portion 14f. As with sleeve
10e, a clear zone 30f of the lower portion 14f is disposed between the
detaching element 24f and the upper boundary 28f of the decorative
pattern 26f. The sleeve 10f has an upper end 16f and a lower end 18f and
may optionally include a gusset therein, as discussed in detail above.

[0085]As opposed to the upper portion 12e of sleeve 10e, the upper portion
12f of sleeve 10f is not sized to substantially surround and enclose a
floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion 12f is
to support the sleeve 10f from a support device such as a wicket (not
shown) wherein a plurality of sleeves 10f can be supported together in
the same manner as a plurality of sleeves 10e can be supported. When the
upper portion 12f is separated from the lower portion 14f via a detaching
element 24f, and the lower portion 14f is disposed about a pot, the
decorative cover formed from the lower portion 14f appears substantially
the same as the embodiment of the sleeve 10e shown in FIG. 10.

[0086]Shown in FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10g is basically the same as sleeve 10e except sleeve
10g does not include an upper portion detachable from a lower portion
14g. Sleeve 10g includes a decorative pattern 26g having a non-linear
upper boundary 28g. The sleeve 10g has a clear zone 30g between the upper
boundary 28g of the decorative pattern 26g and an upper edge 48g of the
sleeve 10g. When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve 10g appears
substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10e shown in FIG. 10
after the upper portion 12e has been detached.

[0087]Shown in FIG. 13 is a sleeve 10h which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10e, comprising an upper portion 12h, a lower portion 14h, an
upper end 16h, a lower end 18h, a more or less straight detaching element
24h between the upper portion 12h and the lower portion 14h, a decorative
pattern 26h having a non-linear upper boundary 28h and a clear zone 30h
between the detaching element 24h and the upper boundary 28h of the
decorative pattern 26h. Sleeve 10h differs from sleeve 10e by having an
outwardly-extending skirt portion 58h which extends away from tapered
first and second sides 20h and 22h of the lower portion 14h such that
when the upper portion 12h is detached from the lower portion 14h and a
pot is disposed in the lower portion 14h, the skirt portion 58h extends
at an angle away from the lower portion 14h.

[0088]Shown in FIG. 14 is a sleeve 10i which is similar to the sleeve 10e
shown in FIG. 8. The sleeve 10i has a decorative pattern 26i having a
non-linear upper boundary 28i, and has a detaching element 24i disposed
between an upper portion 12i and a lower portion 14i, and has a clear
zone 30i between the non-linear upper boundary 28i of the decorative
pattern 26i and the detaching element 24i. Sleeve 10i differs from sleeve
10e primarily in that the detaching element 24i has a pattern which
generally corresponds to the curvature of the non-linear upper boundary
28i. The clear portion 30i, therefore, may be negligible or non-existent.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 15-21

[0089]Shown in FIGS. 15-17 is a sleeve 10j which is basically the same as
sleeve 10e except for a difference in an upper boundary of a decorative
pattern thereon. As with sleeve 10e, sleeve 10j has an upper portion 12j,
a lower portion 14j, and a detaching element 24j therebetween. The sleeve
10j further comprises an upper end 16j, a lower end 18j, a decorative
pattern 26j on the lower portion 14j, an upper boundary 28j in the
decorative pattern 26j and a clear zone 30j between the detaching element
24j and the upper boundary 28j. The upper boundary 28j, when the sleeve
is in a flattened condition, has an arcuate shape. The sleeve 10j may
optionally further have a gusset 38j therein. The upper boundary 28j of
the decorative pattern 26j is configured on the lower portion 14j such
that when the sleeve 10j is in the open position (for example when
disposed about the pot 40), the upper boundary 28j of the decorative
pattern 26j is disposed a substantially equivalent vertical distance 60j
from a perimeter 21j of a bottom 19j of the opened sleeve 10j. That is,
the upper boundary 28j is disposed in an imaginary plane 66 which is
substantially parallel to a plane of the perimeter 21j of the bottom 19j
as shown in FIG. 16, and substantially parallel to the upper rim 42 of
the pot 40 and the plane 43 of the upper rim 42 (FIG. 3) when the pot 40
is disposed therein as in FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0090]When the upper portion 12j is removed from the lower portion 14j by
detaching along the detaching element 24j, the lower portion 14j is left
with an upper edge 48j which is disposed a distance above the upper rim
42 of the pot 40 (FIG. 17). The lower portion 14j is given the illusion
of having an upper edge which corresponds to the upper rim 42 of the pot
40 due to the conspicuousness of the upper boundary 28j of the decorative
pattern 26j and the relative transparency, and thus invisibility, of the
clear zone 30j.

[0091]Shown in FIG. 18 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10k is basically the same as sleeve 10j, except for the
size of an upper portion 12k. The upper portion 12k is detachable from
the lower portion 14k which includes thereon a decorative pattern 26k
which has an upper boundary 28k having an arcuate shape in the flattened
condition. A detaching element 24k is disposed between the upper portion
12k and the lower portion 14k. As with sleeve 10j, the portion of the
lower portion 14k disposed between the detaching element 24k and the
upper boundary 28k of the decorative pattern 26k is a clear zone 30k. The
sleeve 10k has an upper end 16k and a lower end 18k and may optionally
comprise a gusset therein. Unlike the upper portion 12j of sleeve 10j,
the upper portion 12k of sleeve 10k is not sized to substantially
surround and enclose a floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of
the upper portion 12k is to support the sleeve 10k from a support device,
such as a wicket (not shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves 10k can be
supported together in the same manner as a plurality of sleeves 10j can
be supported. When the upper portion 12k is separated from the lower
portion 14k via the detaching element 24k, and the lower portion 14k is
disposed about a pot, the decorative cover formed from the lower portion
14k appears substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10j shown
in FIG. 17 after the upper portion 12j has been detached.

[0092]Shown in FIG. 19 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10m is substantially the same as sleeve 10j except
sleeve 10m does not include an upper portion detachable from the lower
portion 14m. Sleeve 10m includes a decorative pattern 26m having an upper
boundary 28m having an arcuate shape in the flattened condition. The
sleeve 10m has a clear zone 30m between the upper boundary 28m of the
decorative pattern 26m and an upper edge 48m of the sleeve 10m. When
opened and placed about a pot, sleeve 10m appears substantially the same
as the embodiment of sleeve 10j shown in FIG. 17 after the upper portion
12j has been detached.

[0093]Shown in FIG. 20 is a sleeve 10n which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10j, comprising an upper portion 12n, a lower portion 14n, an
upper end 16n, a lower end 18n, a substantially horizontal detaching
element 24n between the upper portion 12n and the lower portion 14n, a
decorative pattern 26n having an upper boundary 28n having an arcuate
shape in the flattened condition, and a clear zone 30n between the
detaching element 24n and the upper boundary 28n of the decorative
pattern 26n. In particular, sleeve 10n differs from sleeve 10j by having
an outwardly-extending skirt portion 58n which extends away from tapered
first and second sides 20n and 22n of the lower portion 14n such that
when the upper portion 12n is detached from the lower portion 14n and a
pot is disposed in the lower portion 14n, the skirt portion 58n extends
at an angle away from the lower portion 14n.

[0094]Shown in FIG. 21 is a sleeve 10p which is similar to the sleeve 10j
shown in FIG. 15 wherein the sleeve 10p has a decorative pattern 26p
having an upper boundary 28p having an arcuate shape in the flattened
condition, and has a detaching element 24p disposed between an upper
portion 12p and a lower portion 14p, and has a clear zone 30p between the
upper boundary 28p of the decorative pattern 26p and the detaching
element 24p. Sleeve 10p differs from sleeve 10j primarily in that the
detaching element 24p has a pattern which generally corresponds to the
arcuate curvature of the upper boundary 28p of the decorative pattern
26p. The clear zone 30p may alternatively be negligible or non-existent.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 22-25

[0095]Shown in FIG. 22 is a sleeve 10q which is similar to the sleeve 10c
shown in FIG. 6 except for a difference in the position of the non-linear
upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon. As with sleeve 10c,
sleeve 10q has an upper portion 12q, a lower portion 14q, and a detaching
element 24q therebetween. The sleeve 10q further comprises an upper end
16q, a lower end 18q, a decorative pattern 26q on the lower portion 14q,
a non-linear upper boundary 28q, having an angular shape, in the
decorative pattern 26q and a clear zone 30q between the detaching element
24q and the non-linear upper boundary 28q. The sleeve 10q also has an
inner peripheral surface (not shown) which, when the sleeve 10 is opened,
defines and encompasses an inner retaining space as indicated in FIGS. 2
and 3. The sleeve 10q may optionally further have a gusset therein. The
non-linear upper boundary 28q of the decorative pattern 26q is configured
on the lower portion 14q such that when the sleeve 10q is in the open
position (for example when disposed about a pot), each peak 32q of the
non-linear upper boundary 28q is disposed a substantially equal peak
vertical distance 60q from a perimeter 21q of a bottom 19q of the opened
sleeve 10q and each trough 34q of the non-linear upper boundary 28q is
disposed a substantially equal trough vertical distance 62q from the
perimeter 21q of the bottom 19q of the opened sleeve 10q in a manner
similar to that shown for sleeve 10e in FIG. 9.

[0096]When the upper portion 12q is removed from the lower portion 14q by
detaching along the detaching element 24q, the lower portion 14q is left
with an upper end which is disposed a distance above an upper rim of a
pot. Although the remaining upper end is generally straight, the lower
portion 14q is given the illusion of having an angular upper edge due to
the conspicuousness of the non-linear upper boundary 28q of the
decorative pattern 26q and the relative transparency, and thus
invisibility, of the clear zone 30q.

[0097]Sleeve 10q further comprises an outwardly-extending skirt portion
58q which extends away from tapered first and second sides 20q and 22q of
the lower portion 14q such that when the upper portion 12q is detached
from the lower portion 14q and a pot is disposed in the lower portion
14q, the skirt portion 58q extends at an angle away from the lower
portion 14q.

[0098]Shown in FIG. 23 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10r is basically the same as sleeve 10q, except for the
size of an upper portion 12r. The upper portion 12r is detachable from a
lower portion 14r which has a decorative pattern 26r which has a
non-linear upper boundary 28r having an angular shape. A detaching
element 24r is disposed between the upper portion 12r and the lower
portion 14r. As with sleeve 10q, a clear zone 30r of the lower portion
14r is disposed between the non-linear upper boundary 28r of the
decorative pattern 26r and an upper end 16r of the sleeve 10r. The sleeve
10r has a lower end 18r and may optionally include a gusset therein.
Unlike the upper portion 12q of sleeve 10q, the upper portion 12r of
sleeve 10r is not sized to substantially surround and encompass a floral
grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion 12r is to
support the sleeve 10r from a support device, such as a wicket (not
shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves 10r can be supported together in
the same manner as a plurality of sleeves 10q can be supported. When the
upper portion 12r is separated from the lower portion 14r via the
detaching element 24r, and the lower portion 14r is disposed about a pot,
the decorative cover formed from the lower portion 14r appears
substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10q after the upper
portion 12q is removed.

[0099]Shown in FIG. 24 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10s is basically the same as sleeve 10q except sleeve
10s does not include an upper portion detachable from a lower portion
14s. Sleeve 10s includes a decorative pattern 26s having a non-linear
upper boundary 28s having an angular shape. The sleeve 10s has a clear
zone 30s between the non-linear upper boundary 28s of the decorative
pattern 26s and an upper edge 48s of the sleeve 10s. When opened and
placed about a pot, sleeve 10s appears substantially the same as the
embodiment of sleeve 10q after the upper portion 12q is removed
therefrom.

[0100]Shown in FIG. 25 is a sleeve 10t which is basically the same as
sleeve 10q shown in FIG. 22 wherein the sleeve 10t has a decorative
pattern 26t having a non-linear upper boundary 28t having an angular
shape, and has a detaching element 24t disposed between an upper portion
12t and a lower portion 14t, and has a clear zone 30t between the
non-linear upper boundary 28t of the decorative pattern 26t and the
detaching element 24t. Sleeve 10t differs from sleeve 10q primarily in
that the detaching element 24t has a pattern which generally corresponds
to the angular curvature of the non-linear upper boundary 28t of the
decorative pattern 26t. The clear zone 30t may be negligible or
non-existent.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 26-29

[0101]Shown in FIG. 26 is a sleeve 10u which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10j (FIG. 15) except for a difference in the relation of a
non-linear upper boundary of a decorative pattern thereon and a detaching
element therein. As with sleeve 10j, sleeve 10u has an upper portion 12u,
a lower portion 14u, and a detaching element 24u therebetween. The sleeve
10u further includes an upper end 16u, a lower end 18u, a decorative
pattern 26u on the lower portion 14u, and an upper boundary 28u in the
decorative pattern 26u which has an arcuate shape in the flattened
condition. The sleeve 10u may optionally further have a gusset 38u
therein. The upper boundary 28u of the decorative pattern 26u is
configured to coincide with the detaching element 24u. When the upper
portion 12u is removed from the lower portion 14u, the upper boundary 28u
of the decorative pattern 26u comprises an upper end of the remaining
lower portion 14u of the sleeve 10u. Sleeve 10u is the same as sleeve 10p
in FIG. 21 when there is no clear zone 30r in sleeve 10p.

[0102]Shown in FIG. 27 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10v is basically the same as sleeve 10u, except for the
size of an upper portion 12v. The upper portion 12v is detachable from a
lower portion 14v which includes thereon a decorative pattern 26v which
has an upper boundary 28v having an arcuate shape in the flattened
condition. A detaching element 24v is disposed between the upper portion
12v and the lower portion 14v. As with sleeve 10u, the upper boundary 28v
of the decorative pattern 26v coincides with the detaching element 24v.
The sleeve 10v has an upper end 16v and a lower end 18v and may
optionally comprise a gusset therein. Unlike the upper portion 12u of
sleeve 10u, the upper portion 12v of sleeve 10v is not sized to
substantially surround and enclose a floral grouping. Rather, the primary
function of the upper portion 12v is to support the sleeve 10v from a
support device, such as a wicket (not shown), wherein a plurality of
sleeves 10v can be supported together in the same manner as a plurality
of sleeves 10u can be supported. When the upper portion 12v is separated
from the lower portion 14v via the detaching element 24v, the decorative
cover formed from the lower portion 14v appears substantially the same as
lower portion 14u of sleeve 10u when the upper portion 12q is detached
therefrom.

[0103]Shown in FIGS. 28 and 28A is an alternative embodiment of the
present invention. Sleeve 10w is substantially the same as sleeve 10u
except sleeve 10w comprises only a lower portion 14w, not an upper
portion detachable from the lower portion 14w. Sleeve 10w includes a
decorative pattern 26w having an upper edge 48w having an arcuate shape
and disposed in a single plane 66w as shown schematically in FIG. 28A.
When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve 10w appears substantially the
same as the embodiment of sleeve 10u after the upper portion 12u is
removed and the remaining lower portion 14u is disposed about a pot. The
plane 66w of the upper edge 48w is substantially parallel to the upper
rim 42 of the pot 40 and to the perimeter 21w of the bottom 19w of the
lower portion 14w.

[0104]Shown in FIG. 29 is a sleeve 10x which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10u, comprising an upper portion 12x, a lower portion 14x, an
upper end 16x, a lower end 18x, and a detaching element 24x which
coincides with an upper boundary 28x of a decorative pattern 26x, the
upper boundary 28x having an arcuate shape when flat. Sleeve 10x differs
from sleeve 10u by having an outwardly-extending skirt portion 58x which
extends away from tapered first and second sides 20x and 22x of the lower
portion 14x such that when the upper portion 12x is detached from the
lower portion 14x and a pot is disposed in the lower portion 14x, the
skirt portion 58x extends at an angle away from the lower portion 14x.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 30-33

[0105]Shown in FIG. 30 is a sleeve 10y which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10e in FIG. 8 except for a difference in the position of a
detaching element 24y. As with sleeve 10e, sleeve 10y has an upper
portion 12y, a lower portion 14y, and the detaching element 24y
therebetween. The sleeve 10y further includes an upper end 16y, a lower
end 18y, a decorative pattern 26y on the lower portion 14y, and a
non-linear upper boundary 28y in the decorative pattern 26y. The
non-linear upper boundary 28y of the decorative pattern 26y is configured
to coincide with the detaching element 24y. When the upper portion 12y is
removed from the lower end 14y, the non-linear upper boundary 28y of the
decorative pattern 26y comprises an upper edge of the remaining lower
portion 14y of the sleeve 10y. The sleeve 10e may optionally further have
a gusset 38y therein. Sleeve 10y is the same as sleeve 10i, FIG. 14, when
there is no clear zone 30i in sleeve 10i.

[0106]Shown in FIG. 31 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10z is essentially the same as sleeve 10y, except for
the size of an upper portion 12z. The upper portion 12z is detachable
from a lower portion 14z which includes thereon a decorative pattern 26z
which has a non-linear upper boundary 28z. A detaching element 24z is
disposed between the upper portion 12z and the lower portion 14z and
coincides with the non-linear upper boundary 28z. The sleeve 10z has an
upper end 16z and a lower end 18z and may optionally comprise a gusset
therein. Unlike the upper portion 12y of sleeve 10y, the upper portion
12z of sleeve 10z is not sized to substantially surround and encompass a
floral grouping. Rather, the primary function of the upper portion 12z is
to support the sleeve 10z from a support device, such as a wicket (not
shown), wherein a plurality of sleeves 10z can be supported together in
the same manner as a plurality of sleeves 10y can be supported. When the
upper portion 12z is separated from the lower portion 14z via the
detaching element 24z, and the lower portion 14z is disposed about a pot,
the decorative cover formed from the lower portion 14z appears
substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10y after the upper
portion 12y has been removed therefrom.

[0107]Shown in FIG. 32 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Sleeve 10aa is basically the same as sleeve 10y except sleeve
10aa does not include an upper portion detachable from a lower portion
14aa. Sleeve 10aa includes a decorative pattern 26aa having a non-linear
upper edge 48aa. When opened and placed about a pot, sleeve 10aa appears
substantially the same as the embodiment of sleeve 10y or sleeve 10z
after the upper portion 12y or 12z has been removed and the remaining
lower portion 14y or 14z has been disposed about a pot. That is, the
upper edge 48aa of the sleeve 10aa is configured such that when the
sleeve 10aa is in the open position (for example when disposed about a
pot), each peak 32aa of the upper edge 48aa is disposed about a
substantially equal peak vertical distance 60aa from a perimeter 21aa of
a bottom 19aa of the opened sleeve 10aa and each trough 34aa of the upper
edge 48aa is disposed about a substantially equal trough vertical
distance 62aa from the perimeter 21aa of the bottom 19aa of the opened
sleeve 10aa, in a manner similar to sleeve 10e shown in FIG. 10.

[0108]Shown in FIG. 33 is a sleeve 10bb which is substantially the same as
sleeve 10y, comprising an upper portion 12bb, a lower portion 14bb, an
upper end 16bb, a lower end 18bb and a non-linear detaching element 24bb
which correspond to a non-linear upper boundary 28bb of a decorative
pattern 26bb. Sleeve 10bb differs from sleeve 10y by having an
outwardly-extending skirt portion 58bb which extends away from tapered
first and second sides 20bb and 22bb of the lower portion 14bb such that
when the upper portion 12bb is detached from the lower portion 14bb and a
pot is disposed in the lower portion 14bb, the skirt portion 58bb extends
at an angle away from the lower end 14bb.

The Embodiments and Methods of Use of FIGS. 34-40

[0109]Shown in FIGS. 34-37 are sleeves 10cc, 10dd, 10ee and 10ff which are
essentially the same as sleeves 10, 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively,
except non-linear upper boundaries 28cc, 28dd, 28ee, and 28ff of the
sleeves 10cc, 10dd, 10ee and 10ff are irregular, for example, having
random peaks and dips.

[0110]Likewise, sleeves 10gg, 10hh, and 10ii, of FIGS. 38-40,
respectively, are similar to sleeves 10y, 10z, and 10aa of FIGS. 30-32,
respectively, except non-linear upper boundaries 28gg, 28hh, and 48ii of
the sleeves 10gg, 10hh and 10ii, are irregular, for example having random
peaks and dips.

[0111]It will also be understood that any of the sleeves 10-10ii described
herein can be used to contain a floral grouping and a growing medium
without a pot, wherein the floral grouping is cultivated in the sleeves
10-10ii, or placed with a growing medium in the sleeves 10-10ii in a
substantially grown condition.

[0112]Changes may be made in the construction and the operation of the
various components, elements and assemblies described herein or in the
steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.